LSU offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk was awarded a sixth season of eligibility by the NCAA, LSU announced Wednesday.

Josh Dworaczyk will be eligible to play for LSU in 2012.

Dworaczyk, a 6-feet-6, 301-pound guard from New Iberia-Catholic, missed the 2011 season because of knee surgery. He was previously a two-year starter who started 23 consecutive games. His return will give LSU five returning starters on the offensive line in 2012.

Last year, Dworaczyk sat out spring drills to undergo surgery on his knee and reinjured it during fall cxamp last August, requiring another surgery. He redshirted during his freshman season because of an injury. The NCAA considers an appeal for a sixth year when a player misses all or most of two seasons because of injuries or other unusual circumstances.

"I'm excited to be able to get another year so that I can finish my career on the field," Dworaczyk said. "I felt like I had some unfinished business so being able to get this additional year is a blessing.

"Watching from the sidelines last year wasn't always easy because I was so used to being a contributor on the field. Getting another year means that I get to wear the Purple and Gold again and for that I'm very thankful."

While recovering from his knee injury, Dworaczyk spent the 2011 season observing offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa as he coached the offensive line, something that he says will make him a better player.

"Getting to see the game through the eyes of a coach and understanding what they are looking for from the players on the field, it helped me fully understand our offense. It also gave me a different relationship with my teammates. As a player, I was a leader on the field. Last year, I couldn't be in the huddle with my teammates so I tried to be a motivator, giving words of advice or encouragement and doing whatever I could to help from the sidelines."

A two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2009 and 2010, Dworaczyk has played in 38 games during his career, starting 26 times at left guard. He started all 13 games for the Tigers in 2009 and 2010. Dworaczyk received his undergraduate degree in general studies in May of 2011. He will graduate with a second degree in sports administration in the fall.

"This is great news for our program," LSU coach Les Miles said. "You never want to see a player have his career cut short because of an injury. Josh is a tremendous representative of our program and it's nice to see that he's going to get a chance to finish out his LSU career on the field."

Dworaczyk and the rest of the Tigers start preparing for the 2012 season on March 1 when spring practice begins. Then National L-Club Spring Game will be held on Saturday, March 31 in Tiger Stadium and admission will be free of charge.